ArtsMinded column: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act marks 50th anniversary

Along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers on the boundary of Minnesota and Wisconsin is a wealth of nature to be relished by artists of every stripe and nature lovers alike. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, w...

Written By:
Phyllis Goldin |
Jul 17th 2018 - 5pm.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects waterways throughout the nation, including the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers featured in a commemorative book. Anne Jacobson / RiverTown Multimedia

Along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers on the boundary of Minnesota and Wisconsin is a wealth of nature to be relished by artists of every stripe and nature lovers alike. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which gives protected status to these rivers.

The act was ushered into law in 1968 by then U.S. Sens. Walter Mondale and Gaylord Nelson. It reads, in part, that its purpose is "to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations."

In celebration of the anniversary, a signed, limited edition of "St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers: The Enduring Gift" is available featuring a stunning collection of Craig Blacklock's photographs of these rivers in all seasons plus Mondale's essay.

Like many rivers, the Kinnickinnic River - a tributary to the St. Croix River - is under pressure from many forces, as it grows increasingly popular and development threatens its health as a clean, cold trout stream. Ecology of the watersheds is a subject of particular concern to many artists.

"Everything is connected. Everything we do will be visited upon our rivers," says Rebecca Wodder, chair of the Board of River Network.

Work by artists nationwide will be on exhibit at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson this Fall (see below), a juried art show that explores the significance of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. "Heart of the River" expresses the meaning of the River in the artists' lives, and communicates that connection through interpretations, impressions, memories, and hopes for the future. The Phipps encouraged artists to explore the Riverway and let their experiences inspire their art for this show.

Events and opportunities

Continuing through July 22, Community Art Show, River Falls Public Library, 140 Union St.

Continuing through July 29, Ekphrasis A Sister Arts Exhibit of Poetry and Visual Arts, The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson www.thephipps.org

Friday, July 20, 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. July 21, Prairie Fire Children's Theatre, sponsored by River Falls Community theatre presents Robin Hood at the River Falls High School Doris Fuka auditorium. $5 general admission. For more information call 715-307-1516.

Friday, Sept. 14, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway celebrates its 50th anniversary with an opening at The Phipps, 109 Locust, Hudson, featuring a juried show, works by Craig Blacklock and Northern Clay Center alumni.www.thephipps.org